San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, a young energetic politician on the rise, will be in El Paso at the end of the month for a Democratic Party fundraiser.

The Texas Democratic Party and the Unity Campaign of the El Paso County Democratic Party are bringing Castro to El Paso on Feb. 28

Castro, who has become a major political player after speaking at the Democratic National Convention last year, will meet with VIPs at 6:30 p.m. and then give a speech at 7:30 p.m. at the Black Pearl Club, 504 W. San Antonio.

Castro could not be reached for comment. He was in Austin for a meeting, his spokesman said.

Event organizer George Ybarra said Castro has been an inspiration to Democrats in El Paso and elsewhere along the Texas-Mexico border.

REPORTER

Aaron Bracamontes

"We see him as the Hispanic Barack (Obama)," Ybarra said. "He may go on to be a governor, U.S. senator, vice president or president. We can see him going that route."

Tickets will cost $25 for the general reception, which will be free for students with a valid student ID.

Ybarra said it was important that students could get in free because they are a group the El Paso County Democrats want to attract.

"Our younger voters are not as involved in politics, so we hope that making this free for students will make them want to get involved," Ybarra said. Castro "is energizing and motivational. We do see him as a key to appealing to people in El Paso, especially the younger group."

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For people who want to get closer to Castro and even snap a photo with him, there will be a VIP reception before his speech, at 6:30 p.m.

Admission for the VIP reception is $250 for two tickets and a picture with Castro. Sustaining members of the El Paso County Democratic Party can pay $100 for two VIP tickets.

Hosts can buy three tickets and be recognized as a Gold contributor for $500, or five tickets and recognition as a Platinum contributor for $1,000.

County Commissioner Sergio Lewis plans to attend Castro's speech. He is looking forward to hearing what the San Antonio mayor will say.

"He's young, vibrant and he is a role model," Lewis said. "He has demonstrated great leadership, and this can only bring more attention to our great city."

On Feb. 5, Castro testified in front of the House Judiciary Committee, saying that the border needs more security, a topic that pertains to El Paso.

Lewis said he is looking forward to hearing directly from Castro about immigration and the border.

"There are two sides of the coin when it comes to that topic," Lewis said. "I think it will be interesting to see his side of the story in person."

Aaron Bracamontes may be reached at abracamontes@elpasotimes.com; 546-6156. Follow him on Twitter @AaronBrac

If you go

Who:"San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro.

What: Fundraising speech for Democratic Party.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Feb. 28.

Place: Black Pearl Club, 504 W. San Antonio.

VIP reception

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $250 for two tickets ($100 for Sustaining members of the El Paso Democratic Party), $500 for three tickets and $1,000 for five tickets; includes photo with Castro.